Long standing Rhondda GP awarded BEM

A long-standing GP in Rhondda was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Dr Hasmukh Shah, who is based in Llwynypia, was recognised for his services to the Hindu community.

He has worked for almost 43 years in the Rhondda Valleys and has also been passionate about his community and charitable work.

He is trustee of Sanatan Dharma Mandal & Hindu Community Centre, Cardiff, Welsh Hearts, Race Council Cymru and The Mentor Ring.

He is also chair of Minor Ethnic Association for Ophthalmic Care group and fundraiser and trustee of Vale for Africa charity as well as raising funds for school projects in India and orphan project in Africa.

He is honorary secretary of the British Association of Physicians of Indian origin and was awarded a visiting Fellowship by the University of South Wales last year.

Dr Shah said: “I am truly humbled by this recognition and would like to dedicate this to my family, all my friends, colleagues and co-workers who helped me in achieving so much for charitable causes.”

On July 4, 2018 he was invited by the Prime Minister Theresa May to No 10 to recognise his outstanding contribution to the community and the NHS and was presented with a NHS 70 badge by then Health Minister Jeremy Hunt.